Keeping Windows updated is one of the easiest ways to get the latest security patches, bug fixes, driver improvements, and performance updates. However, Windows Update does not always work smoothly. You might see an update stuck at a certain percentage, receive an error code, find that Windows keeps failing to install the same update, or notice that Windows Update is not finding available updates at all.
The good news is that most Windows 11 and Windows 10 updating issues can be fixed without reinstalling Windows. In many cases, the problem comes from corrupted update files, a temporary Windows service issue, insufficient storage, a damaged system file, or an interrupted update process.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most practical ways to troubleshoot Windows Update problems.
Common Updating Issues in Windows 11 & 10
- Windows Update gets stuck at a certain percentage, such as 0%, 35%, 50%, or 99%, and does not appear to make further progress.
- Windows Update fails to download updates because of network problems, insufficient storage, corrupted update components, or other system issues.
- Windows Update fails to install updates and displays an error message or error code during the installation process.
- Windows Update keeps checking for updates without finding or installing available updates.
- Windows Update is stuck on “Pending Install” or “Pending Download,” preventing the update from progressing.
- Windows Update repeatedly fails after restarting, causing Windows to attempt the same update installation over and over.
- Windows Update error codes appear during downloading or installation, such as 0x80070002, 0x80070005, 0x80070422, 0x800f081f, or 0x80073712.
- Windows Update service is not running, which can prevent Windows from checking for, downloading, or installing updates.
- Windows Update troubleshooter detects problems but cannot automatically resolve them.
- Corrupted Windows Update components prevent the operating system from properly downloading or installing update files.
- Windows Update cache is corrupted, causing repeated download failures or installation errors.
- Not enough storage space is available on the system drive, preventing Windows from downloading or installing a major update.
- Windows 11 feature updates fail to install, even though the computer appears to meet the basic requirements.
- Windows 10 cumulative updates fail to install, sometimes after downloading successfully.
- Windows restarts unexpectedly during an update, or the update process appears to loop between restarting and configuring updates.
- Windows displays “We couldn’t complete the updates”, then automatically rolls back the update.
- Windows Update causes a rollback, returning the PC to the previous Windows version after an unsuccessful update.
- Windows Update installation reaches 100% but does not finish, leaving the computer stuck during the final stage.
- Updates are installed, but Windows still shows them as available, indicating that the update process may not have completed correctly.
- Device drivers stop working after a Windows update, potentially affecting audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, graphics, printers, or other hardware.
- Windows Update causes compatibility problems with applications, hardware, or existing system configurations.
- Windows Update cannot connect to Microsoft’s update servers, often because of network configuration, VPN, proxy, firewall, or related connectivity problems.
- Windows Update is disabled or blocked, either through system settings, services, Group Policy, or other configuration changes.
Troubleshooting Updating Issues in Windows 11 & 10
To troubleshoot updating issues in Windows 11 and Windows 10, restart your PC, check your internet connection and available storage, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, restart Windows Update services, clear the Windows Update cache, repair corrupted system files with SFC and DISM, and then try Windows Update again. If an update still fails, check the specific error code and use the appropriate repair method.
Let’s learn in detail!
Step 1: Restart Your PC and Check the Internet Connection
The first thing you should do is restart your Windows computer. This sounds simple, but a restart can clear temporary system processes that may be interfering with Windows Update.
Select Start > Power > Restart and allow Windows to boot normally. Once you are back at the desktop, make sure your internet connection is working properly. Windows Update needs a stable connection to download update packages from Microsoft’s servers.
Open your browser and visit a few websites to confirm that your connection is working. If pages load slowly or fail to open, restart your router or connect to another reliable network before trying the update again.
You should also disconnect from a VPN temporarily if you are using one. Some VPN configurations, network filters, or security applications can interfere with Windows Update connections.
Step 2: Check Available Storage Space
Windows needs enough free storage to download, unpack, and install updates. If your system drive is nearly full, an update may download successfully but fail during installation.
Go to Settings > System > Storage in Windows 11. In Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Storage as well. Look at the available space on your main Windows drive, usually the C: drive.
If storage is low, remove unnecessary temporary files. In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files. In Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files.
Review the files carefully and remove items you no longer need. Pay particular attention to Temporary files, Windows Update Cleanup, Delivery Optimization Files, and Recycle Bin contents.
After freeing up some space, restart your PC and try Windows Update again.
Step 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter designed to identify common problems with the update system. It is a good next step if restarting your PC did not help.
In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run.
In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
Let Windows complete the diagnostic process. If it identifies a problem, follow the recommended instructions and then restart your computer.
The troubleshooter can detect issues involving Windows Update services, configuration settings, and update-related components. It may not fix every problem, but it is quick and safe to try.
Step 4: Make Sure Windows Update Services Are Running
Windows Update depends on several background services. If one of these services has stopped or is not responding correctly, updates may fail.
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
In the Services window, find Windows Update. Double-click it and check its Startup type. If it is disabled, change it to an appropriate automatic or manual startup setting and select Start if the service is stopped.
You should also check the Background Intelligent Transfer Service, commonly called BITS. This service helps Windows transfer files in the background.
Double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service and make sure it is not disabled. If it is stopped, select Start.
After checking these services, restart your PC and go to Settings > Windows Update to try the update again.
Step 5: Clear the Windows Update Cache
Sometimes Windows Update becomes stuck because previously downloaded update files are corrupted. Clearing the update cache forces Windows to create fresh update files.
First, press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find Windows Update and select Stop.
Next, open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. This folder contains temporary Windows Update data.
Delete the contents inside the SoftwareDistribution folder. Do not delete the folder itself.
Return to Services, open Windows Update, and select Start. Restart your PC afterward.
Now go to Settings > Windows Update in Windows 11 or Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update in Windows 10. Select Check for updates.
Windows should download fresh update files instead of relying on potentially corrupted cached files.
Step 6: Repair Corrupted Windows System Files
Damaged Windows system files can also cause update failures. Microsoft provides two built-in command-line tools that can repair these problems: System File Checker, known as SFC, and Deployment Image Servicing and Management, known as DISM.
Right-click Start and select Terminal (Admin) in Windows 11. In Windows 10, search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
Run the SFC command:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to reach 100 percent. Do not close the window while it is running.
Afterward, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
DISM may take several minutes. Once it finishes, restart your computer.
These tools can repair corrupted Windows components and system files that may be preventing Windows Update from working correctly.
Step 7: Check the Windows Update Error Code
If Windows still refuses to install an update, look for the error code displayed on the Windows Update screen.
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history in Windows 11. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history.
Look for the failed update and note its error code. Codes such as 0x80070002, 0x80070005, 0x800f081f, and 0x8024a105 can point toward different underlying problems.
Searching for the exact error code is much more useful than searching for a general “Windows Update not working” message because the code can narrow down the cause.
Step 8: Temporarily Check Third-Party Security Software
Third-party antivirus programs, firewalls, system optimizers, and other security utilities can occasionally interfere with Windows Update.
If you have installed third-party security software, check whether it has a feature that blocks system updates or network connections. Do not permanently disable your security protection.
If you temporarily disable a security feature for troubleshooting, re-enable it immediately after testing. Windows Security provides built-in protection, so avoid leaving your computer unprotected.
You can then go to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates again.
Step 9: Try the Update Again After a Clean Restart
If Windows Update still fails, perform another restart and give Windows a clean opportunity to install the pending update.
Go to Start > Power > Restart. After Windows starts, avoid opening unnecessary applications. Then go to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
If Windows displays Restart required, select the restart option and allow the installation process to complete. Do not turn off the computer while Windows is installing an update.
FAQs
Why is Windows Update stuck at 0 percent?
A Windows update can remain at 0 percent because of a slow connection, update service problems, corrupted cache files, or temporary server-side issues. Restarting Windows, checking the update services, and clearing the SoftwareDistribution cache can often help.
Why does Windows keep failing the same update?
Repeated failures usually indicate an underlying problem rather than a one-time download failure. Corrupted update files, damaged system components, insufficient storage, incompatible drivers, or Windows Update service problems are common causes.
Can I run SFC and DISM to fix Windows Update?
Yes. SFC and DISM are built-in Windows repair tools and can fix corrupted system files or component-store problems that interfere with Windows Update. Run SFC first, followed by DISM if necessary.
Should I reset Windows if Windows Update does not work?
Not immediately. A full Windows reset should generally be considered a last resort. The troubleshooting methods above can resolve many update problems without removing your applications and personal files.
Does low disk space prevent Windows updates?
Yes. Windows may need additional temporary space while downloading, extracting, and installing an update. If your C: drive is nearly full, freeing up storage can resolve update installation failures.
Summary
Windows Update problems can be frustrating, but you usually do not need to reset your entire PC to fix them. Start with simple solutions such as restarting Windows, checking your internet connection, and freeing up storage. If the problem continues, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter and verify that important update services are running.
For more persistent problems, clearing the Windows Update cache and repairing system files with SFC and DISM can make a significant difference. If an update continues to fail, check Update history for the exact error code and use that information to identify the underlying problem.
By working through these steps in order, you can troubleshoot most common Windows 11 and Windows 10 updating issues without performing a complete Windows reinstallation.